There is far more water used in the preparation and curing process than in the mix itself. If you have a limited water supply, be sure to account for this extra water requirement. Follow these steps to make sure you have the best plaster job available. Be sure to protect your walls from wind, rain, and direct sun by hanging tarps.

Over the years I have spoken many times about the importance of a quality plastering job. That importance has not waned, and I am unfortunately hearing more and more stories about failed plaster jobs around the world. A large percentage of the consulting work I do is helping clients deal with these plastering issues. There are two common themes, or dare I say causes for the failures. If you avoid these two approaches to plastering your home, your plaster should provide you with a very long life.

Plastering a straw bale house is a skill that marries both art and construction techniques. There are so many details to keep track of when plastering your strawbale home and this article will give you one more piece of the puzzle. The focus is on the application direction of lime plaster, or any plaster for that matter. Mistakes here can cause plaster failure so it’s worth getting the process right. Furthermore, the plaster is what people see when they first view your straw bale house, so making it look good really matters.

TransMineral USA is hosting a plastering workshop this fall, October 11 and 12, 2012. This is a great opportunity to learn the material from some of the best. Keep in mind that TransMineral USA is the sole US importer of Natural Hydraulic Lime, so they know their stuff.

There are so many things to consider when choosing a plaster for your straw bale home. I will try and give a quick outline here to get you all started on the path of inquiry. There are many decision to be made and many details to consider in those decisions. The plaster is the thing […]